At the Intel Solutions Summit 2011, The VAR Guy got the low-down on the upcoming solutions from Intel’s Enterprise Platform and Services Division (EPSD) from none other than Lisa Graff, general manager of EPSD. Here are the details …

Partners are getting creative with Intel products. Graff noted that partners are getting creative in ways they’re using Intel technology, and installing Intel server products in more and more places where a high-end machine is needed, from dental offices to digital signage. Intel noticed, which prompted some of the new solutions.

“Using servers in the embedded appliance space is a great place for the channel to differentiate … but [partners] could use more things from us. That’s what we’re delivering,” said Graff.

Graff unveiled a “solutions roadmap” for EPSD that includes plans for Intel to provide more flexible hardware, more choices and more aggressive pricing. EPSD 3.0 features new server board sizes and socket options with the Sandy Bridge chipset, more chassis options and more software, such as the Intel Business Continuity Suite due in the second half of 2011. The suite will provide a single view to manage hardware, RAID, virtualization, backup and data recovery from an intuitive, graphical interface that looks much like iTunes. (The VAR Guy wonders, Can we call this new suite the iTunes of hardware management? Or would that be overkill?)

Intel also is planning on offering two new extended warranty programs — one that covers components for two additional years and the other a next-day break/fix repair service, Graff said.

Since the channel has found some innovative ways to use Intel technology, The VAR Guy wonders how much impact the EPSD will have. Certainly there is value in any program that offers more options and lower price points. The ultimate value, however, lies in whether ISVs and resellers actually use it.

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